Front-wheel drive (FWD) is a type of drivetrain in which an engine or electric motor sends power to a vehicle’s rear wheels.
In an FWD vehicle, the front wheels handle both steering and propulsion. Most of the drivetrain components are concentrated near the front of the vehicle, eliminating the need for a driveshaft running to the rear wheels. This arrangement can reduce weight and free up interior space.
FWD has been a common drivetrain layout for decades. It is widely used in sedans, hatchbacks, crossovers, SUVs, and some small pickup trucks.
FWD has several advantages. With the engine and other drivetrain components typically positioned over the front wheels, the drive wheels have additional weight over them, which can help provide traction on slippery roads. FWD vehicles also tend to be lighter and less complex than comparable all-wheel-drive (AWD) vehicles, which can help improve fuel economy and reduce cost.
There are trade-offs. Because the front wheels must handle both steering and acceleration, FWD can be less suited to performance driving than rear-wheel drive (RWD), particularly under hard acceleration or cornering. FWD also is not typically the best choice for serious off-road driving, where AWD and 4-wheel drive (4WD) are generally better suited.
FWD and RWD are the two basic types of 2-wheel drive (2WD). In an FWD vehicle, power goes to the front wheels; in an RWD vehicle, it goes to the rear wheels.
